Bendtner threatens to quit Arsenal

Nicklas Bendtner has threatened to quit Arsenal unless he is given more first-team opportunities this season.

The Denmark international missed the start of the current campaign through injury, but has only been used from the bench since returning to first-team action last month.

Bendtner started the Carling Cup game against Newcastle as well as the Champions League defeat at Shaktar Donetsk but the summer arrival of Marouane Chamakh has added further competition for places at Arsenal.

‘I'm extremely disappointed with my lack of minutes on the field,’ Bendtner said. ‘I feel I've done everything right in getting back to fitness and I'm in the best shape of my life.’

‘I feel even better than before the injury and, at that point, I was in the starting XI and close to fulfilling my potential. I just lack minor things now to be back to my best again but I'm only getting those by playing matches. That's what I have to do now. There's not more to it than that.’

The Dane continued: ‘When I'm 100 per cent fit I cannot accept sitting on the bench. I'm turning 23 soon and, at this stage in my career, it's important for my development to play regularly, game after game.’

Arsene Wenger spoke about Bendtner's unrest on Friday and made it clear that the striker will have to bide his time. ‘When you try to convince a player that he has to be patient, then you waste your time.’

The Arsenal manager continued: ‘That's what you've got to do but you ask a player if he is fit after two training sessions and he says 'Yes'. It's normal. I was the same. Nicklas has to continue to work and when he is completely match-fit, he will play.’